In talking to us about tree care, one of the questions we hear from folks sometimes revolves around “what is the best time of the year to do tree service?”. The answer is, it depends.
In Texas, the best time for tree service normally depends on the specific needs of the trees and the services required. However, a general guideline for tree maintenance is to schedule it during this time of the year which is a dormant season, from late fall to early spring. Here are some considerations for different tree services:
- Tree Pruning: Late fall to early spring is ideal, as most trees are dormant during this period. Pruning during the dormant season helps reduce stress on the tree and minimizes the risk of disease transmission. However, if pruning needs to be done, say branches are on a structure or are blocking access, of if you are needing storm damage taken care of, trees can be pruned any time of the year.
- Tree Removal: This can be done anytime of the year. However, some property owners prefer to do it during the dormant season to minimize the impact on other plants and reduce the risk of diseases spread by insects. It’s also a good time to be able to re-landscape the are where the tree stood, adding new topsoil to make way for grass seeding, or replacing the tree with a new tree. Which is covered next.
- Tree Planting: Fall and early spring are excellent times for tree planting in Texas. Planting during these seasons allows the tree to establish its roots before our hot West Texas hot summer months.
- Fertilization and Soil Amendments: Spring is often a good time for fertilization and soil amendments to support the tree’s growth during the active growing season.
- Insect and Disease Control: Depending on the specific pests and diseases, treatment may be necessary at various times. It’s essential to monitor trees regularly and address any issues promptly.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and the specific timing may vary based on the tree species, what our spring climate is like, and individual tree health. We always suggest giving us a call for a free review from one of our tree care professionals. They’ll come out onsite and can assess all the trees on your property and provide recommendations based on their unique needs.
